By CESAR JOLITO III
The Bacolod City government is set to launch a large-scale clearing and desilting operation along the Mandalagan River starting Monday, October 20, in a proactive move to address recurring flood concerns.
The initiative, spearheaded by Mayor Greg Gasataya and implemented through the City Engineer’s Office (CEO) in partnership with the Department of Public Works and Highways – Negros Island Region (DPWH-NIR), follows the recent arrival of an amphibious dredger to be used for the river rehabilitation.
According to Gasataya, the project aims to restore the river’s natural flow and reduce flooding in surrounding barangays.
“The Mandalagan River plays a crucial role in our city’s drainage network. By addressing sediment buildup, we can significantly minimize flood impact in nearby communities,” he said.
The desilting operation will utilize heavy equipment, including backhoes and dump trucks, to remove silt, garbage and debris that have accumulated in the river channel over the years.
A recent hydrographic survey by the CEO revealed that the river mouth’s depth has decreased to just one meter, forming what Gasataya described as a “ramp” that worsens water backflow during heavy rains.
CEO officer-in-charge Engineer Loben Cebellos said the desilting will cover approximately 500 meters, stretching from the river mouth up to the Barangay 1 bridge.
An estimated 54,000 cubic meters of silt will be removed over a five- to six-month period.
To complement the river operations, the city has also deployed truck-mounted flood mitigation equipment in the Bredco Reclamation Area, designed to temporarily control floodwaters while waiting for the completion of the diversion channel project.
Meanwhile, drainage clearing efforts have been conducted along Bugnay and Kamunsil Streets in Barangay Villamonte, where recent heavy rains caused localized flooding.
Gasataya reaffirmed the city’s commitment to flood prevention, emphasizing that these ongoing projects form part of Bacolod’s broader strategy to build a safer, more resilient city./CJ, WDJ